Children&#39;s Exercise and Activity Apparatus

ABSTRACT

A children&#39;s exercise and activity apparatus for providing exercise functionality for a small child, said apparatus comprising: a base adapted to lie on the floor, the base comprising a U-shaped base frame with cradle supporting arms extending from each end of the U-shaped frame in an upwardly and rearwardly direction such that the cradle supporting arms are resiliently deflectable relative to the base when a child is supported on a cradle coupled with the cradle supporting arms; and a kick panel assembly coupled with the base, the kick panel assembly comprising a kicking panel extending transversely relative to the underlying floor with a kick panel support being fixedly attached to the base.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a children's exercise and activity apparatus.

BACKGROUND

Any references to methods, apparatus or documents of the prior art are not to be taken as constituting any evidence or admission that they formed, or form part of the common general knowledge.

Baby bouncers are a class of popular products for parents and their infants. A baby bouncer is a device that holds an infant and provides them with gentle motion in a manner that can stimulate an infant when they are active, soothe them when they are not, enable an infant to exercise, all while enhancing free time for parents. Baby bouncers are typically used by infants between the ages of 4 months and 1 year.

In general, a baby bouncer has a seat that cradles an infant and that is retained in a flexible manner on a stand. The seat and stand are beneficially dimensioned so that when the baby bouncer is located on a surface that an infant can jump, kick, and partially stand in a manner that allows the infant to exercise, entertain itself, and to burn off excess energy to enable the infant to sleep. When the infant moves the flexible seat gently bounces the infant in accord with the infant's movement.

In the above described bouncers, the baby's hand and feet are typically left free to move while the baby's torso is generally restrained to the cradle. Such an arrangement can limit the amount of feedback movement that the baby can generate while being placed in the cradle of the bouncer. It would be particularly desirable to improve the design of baby bouncers to allow the baby to get more opportunity to apply more force easily and generate movement of the cradle.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

In an aspect, the invention provides a children's exercise and activity apparatus for providing exercise functionality for a small child, said apparatus comprising:

a base adapted to lie on the floor, the base comprising a U-shaped base frame with cradle supporting arms extending from each end of the U-shaped base frame in an upwardly and rearwardly direction such that the cradle supporting arms are resiliently deflectable relative to the base when a child is supported on a cradle coupled with the cradle supporting arms; and a kick panel assembly coupled with the base, the kick panel assembly comprising a kicking panel extending transversely relative to the underlying floor with a kick panel support being fixedly attached to the base.

In an embodiment, the kick panel support is coupled to the base to position the kick panel in a spaced relationship relative to a frontal portion of the cradle supporting arms to locate the kick panel away from the cradle for allowing the child supported on the cradle to kick on the kicking panel during use.

In an embodiment, the base comprises a base panel adapted to contact the underlying floor and wherein a top surface of the base panel is adapted to receive the U-shaped base frame and wherein the kick panel support is received on a frontal portion of the base panel.

In an embodiment, the kick panel support is adapted to be fixedly attached at a plurality of locations on the base panel to allow the kick panel to be positioned at multiple in-use locations and orientations.

In an embodiment, the kick panel support is adapted to be positioned to extend forwardly from a frontal portion of the base panel to thereby allow the kick panel to be positioned in a forwardly location relative to the frontal portion of the base panel.

In an embodiment, the kick panel support comprises a bracket wherein a first part of the bracket is fixedly attached to the base panel and a second part of the bracket is fixedly attached to the kick panel.

In an embodiment, the first part of the bracket is substantially perpendicular to the second part of the bracket.

In an embodiment, the kick panel is oriented in a substantially perpendicular orientation relative to the floor.

In an embodiment, the cradle comprises a restraint assembly for restraining the child positioned in the cradle.

In an embodiment, the kick panel is coupled to the U-shaped base frame.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a kick board attachment for use in combination with a baby bouncer, the kicking panel attachment comprising:

a base frame having at least two longitudinally extending members couplable to the baby bouncer and/or a base having a baby bouncer affixed thereto, the base frame being integrally formed with a kicking panel support frame extending substantially transversely relative to an underlying floor when in an in-use position; and

a kicking panel releasably engaged with the kicking panel support frame;

wherein when the at least two longitudinally extending members are coupled to the baby bouncer and/or a base having a baby bouncer affixed thereto, one or more legs of a baby in a cradle of the baby bouncer can interact with the kicking panel.

In an embodiment, the kicking panel attachment comprises a sleeve configured to slide onto or over the kicking panel support frame.

In an embodiment, the sleeve comprises a fabric affixable to the kicking panel support frame.

In an alternative embodiment, the kicking panel is fixed to the kicking panel support frame.

In an embodiment, the kicking panel comprises a solid panel.

In yet another aspect, there present invention provides a method of assembling a kicking panel in combination with a baby bouncer, the method comprising the steps:

providing a kicking panel attachment comprising a base frame having at least two longitudinally extending members couplable to the baby bouncer and/or a base having a baby bouncer affixed thereto, the base frame being integrally formed with a kicking panel support frame extending substantially transversely relative to an underlying floor when in an in-use position and the kicking panel support frame supporting a kick panel;

locating the kicking panel attachment adjacent to the baby bouncer and/or the base having a baby bouncer coupled thereto;

adjusting the kick panel attachment relative to the baby bouncer so as to locate the kicking panel at a desired position for a baby in a cradle of the baby bouncer to interact with the kicking panel; and

coupling the kicking panel attachment in place relative to the baby bouncer.

In an embodiment, adjusting the kicking panel attachment is by sliding the kicking panel support frame relative to the baby bouncer.

In an embodiment, adjusting the kicking panel attachment is by telescopic extension/retraction of the at least two longitudinally extending members.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows:

FIG. 1 is a frontal view of the baby bouncer 100 in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the kick panel assembly 120 that forms a part of the baby bouncer 100.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the base assembly 110 that forms part of the baby bouncer 100.

FIG. 4 is a foot end view of the baby bouncer 100.

FIG. 5 is a head end view of the baby bouncer 100.

FIG. 6 is a first side perspective view of the baby bouncer 200 in accordance with a second embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a right side perspective view of the baby bouncer 200.

FIG. 8 is a top view of a kick board according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is an upper rear isometric view of the kick board of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 a rear perspective view of the kick board of FIG. 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. 1 to 6 illustrate an improved baby bouncer 100 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The bouncer 100 includes a base assembly 110 that include a planar base panel 112 that can be positioned on an underlying floor surface S. The top planar surface of the base panel 112 receives a U-shaped base frame 114 with cradle supporting arms 116 extending from each end of the U-shaped frame 114 in an upwardly and rearwardly direction. The cradle supporting arms 116 are resiliently deflectable relative to the base frame 114 when a child is supported on the cradle 118 (made from cloth) coupled with the cradle supporting arms 116.

A kick panel assembly 120 coupled with the base 110. In the preferred embodiment shown in the accompanying figures the kick panel assembly 120 is coupled with the base panel 112. However, in other embodiments, the kick panel assembly 120 may be coupled directly with the U-shaped base frame 114 without departing from the overall scope of the invention. The kick panel assembly 120 comprises a kicking panel 122 extending transversely relative to the underlying floor with a kick panel supporting brackets 124 being fixedly attached to the base panel 112. Importantly, the kick supporting brackets 124 are coupled to the base 110 to position to the kick panel 122 in a spaced relationship relative to a frontal portion of the cradle supporting arms 116 to locate the kick panel 122 slightly away from the cradle 118 for allowing the child supported on the cradle 118 to kick on the kick panel 122 during use. The kick panel 122 in such a configuration, allows a child (restrained on the cradle 118) to kick against the kick panel 122 which results in a reaction force being applied on the cradle supporting arms 116 which in turn causes the cradle supporting frame 116 to deflect relative to the base 110 (specifically the U-shaped base frame 114).

The kick supporting brackets 124 can be positioned at a plurality of fastening locations on the base panel to allow the kick panel 122 to be positioned at multiple in-use locations and orientations so that as the baby grows, the location and orientation of the kick panel 122 can be varied to derive maximum benefit from the kick panel 122. The kick supporting brackets 124 are shaped to extend forwardly from a frontal portion of the base panel 122 to allow the kick panel 122 to be positioned in a forwardly location relative to the frontal portion of the base panel 112.

Turning to the kick supporting bracket 124, each bracket 124 comprises a first part 124A and a second part 124B. The first part 124A of the bracket 124 is fixedly attached to the base panel 122 and is substantially perpendicular to the second part 124B of the bracket 124 that is fixedly attached to the kick panel 122.

It is to be understood that the invention may include a kit comprising the kick panel assembly 120 that can be readily coupled with an existing baby bouncer in order to upgrade a baby bouncer. The base panel 122 may be provided with a fastening arrangement to fasten the base panel 120 with the U-shaped base frame 114. As shown in FIG. 3, a receiving channel 115 may be provided on the base panel 122 for securing the base frame 114 to the top surface of the base panel 112 and prevent any relative movement between the base frame 114 and the base panel 112.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, a second embodiment of the baby bouncer 200 has been illustrated. Like reference numerals denote like features which have been previously discussed in the preceding sections. The bouncer 200 includes a base assembly 210 with a supplementary base frame 212 that can be easily coupled or fastened with the U-shaped base frame 114. The supplementary base frame 212 functions as an alternative to the base panel 112 described in the previous sections. As discussed in the previous sections, cradle supporting arms 116 extend from each end of the U-shaped base frame 114 in an upwardly and rearwardly direction. The cradle supporting arms 116 are resiliently deflectable relative to the U-shaped base frame 114 and the supplementary base frame 212 when a child is supported on the cradle 118 (made from cloth) coupled with the cradle supporting arms 116.

The kick panel assembly 220 coupled with the base 110. In the preferred embodiment shown in the accompanying figures the kick panel assembly 220 comprises a kick panel retaining frame 221 that is formed integrally and continuously with the supplementary base frame members 212A and 212B. The kick panel assembly 220 comprises a kicking panel 222 extending transversely relative to the underlying floor with the kick panel 222 being retained in the kick panel retaining frame 221. The kick panel retaining frame 221 extends forwardly from the U-shaped base frame 114 to position to the kick panel 222 in a spaced relationship relative to a frontal portion of the cradle supporting arms 116 to locate the kick panel 222 slightly away from the cradle 118 for allowing the child supported on the cradle 118 to kick on the kick panel 222 during use. The kick panel 222 in such a configuration, also allows a child (restrained on the cradle 118) to kick against the kick panel 222 which results in a reaction force being applied on the cradle supporting arms 116 which in turn causes the cradle supporting frame 116 to deflect relative to the base 110 (specifically the U-shaped base frame 114).

Referring to FIGS. 8, 9 and 10 there is provided an alternative embodiment of the present invention showing a kick board attachment 300. The kick board attachment 300 is configured to be attachable with a baby bouncer (as seen in FIGS. 1 to 7). The kicking panel attachment 300 comprises a base frame (also referred to as a supplementary base frame) having at least two longitudinally extending members 312 couplable to the baby bouncer 100 (as seen in FIGS. 1 to 7) and/or a base 112 having a baby bouncer 100 affixed to said base 112 (as seen in FIGS. 1 to 5). Preferably, the base frame is integrally formed with a kicking panel support frame 321. The kicking panel support frame 321 extends substantially upwardly from the underlying floor when in an in-use position and the at least two longitudinally extending members 312 attached to the baby bouncer 100 and/or the base 112.

The kicking panel support frame 321 supports a kicking panel 322. The kicking panel 322 is preferably releasably engaged with the kicking panel support frame 321. The kicking panel 322 can be removed, washed or otherwise cleaned and then reinstalled. The at least two longitudinally extending members 312 are coupled to the baby bouncer 100 and/or a base 112 having a baby bouncer 100 affixed thereto such that when attached, the kicking panel 322 is close enough to allow one or more legs of a baby in a cradle of the baby bouncer 100 to interact with the kicking panel 322 (as seen in FIG. 1).

The kicking panel 322 of the kicking panel attachment 300 may comprise a sleeve configured to slide onto or over the kicking panel support frame 321. The kicking panel 322. The sleeve may comprise a pocket which receives or slides onto or over the kicking panel support frame 321. Said sleeve may comprise complementary hook and loop patches on opposite internal surfaces for attaching together to assist in retaining the kicking panel 322 in place. Preferably, the sleeve comprises a fabric affixable to the kicking panel support frame 321. The fabric can be softer and have additional tactile benefits. In alternative embodiments, the kicking panel 322 is fixed to the kicking panel support frame 321. In such embodiments, the kicking panel 322 is preferably solid or has a coating making it easy to wipe clean. In further alternative embodiments, the kicking panel 322 may comprise a solid panel. The solid panel may have a smooth or textured surface which allows repeated impacts from the feet of the baby without hurting the baby.

With particular reference to the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. 8 to 10, there is provided a method of positioning a kicking panel 322 relative to a baby bouncer 100. The method comprising the steps of providing a kicking panel attachment 300 as described above. The kicking panel attachment 300 is located adjacent to the baby bouncer 100 and/or the base 112 having a baby bouncer 100 coupled thereto. The location of the kicking panel attachment 300 may be adjusted the relative to the baby bouncer 100 so as to locate the kicking panel 322 at a desired position for a baby in a cradle of the baby bouncer 100 to interact with the kicking panel 211. Once the kicking panel 322 is in the desired position, the kicking panel attachment 300 is coupled to the baby bouncer 100 and/or the base 112 having the baby bouncer 100 affixed thereto.

The at least two longitudinally extending members 312 may be configured to telescopically extend/retract. Accordingly, the kicking panel attachment 300 may be adjusted so as to move the kicking panel 322 by extending/retracting the at least two longitudinally extending members 312 until the kicking panel 322 is located in a desired location relative to the baby bouncer.

The preferred and/or optional features discussed above may be used separately or combined in any order. The preferred and/or optional features may also be combined with other aspects of the present invention.

In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. The term “comprises” and its variations, such as “comprising” and “comprised of” is used throughout in an inclusive sense and not to the exclusion of any additional features.

It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect.

The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A children's exercise and activity apparatus for providing exercise functionality for a small child, said apparatus comprising: a base adapted to lie on the floor, the base comprising a U-shaped base frame with cradle supporting arms extending from each end of the U-shaped base frame in an upwardly and rearwardly direction such that the cradle supporting arms are resiliently deflectable relative to the base when a child is supported on a cradle coupled with the cradle supporting arms; and a kick panel assembly coupled with the base, the kick panel assembly comprising a kicking panel extending transversely relative to the underlying floor with a kick panel support being fixedly attached to the base.
 2. A children's exercise and activity apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein the kick support is coupled to the base to position to the kick panel in a spaced relationship relate to a frontal portion of the cradle supporting arms to locate the kick panel away from the cradle for allowing the child supported on the cradle to kick on the kick panel during use.
 3. A children's exercise and activity apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein the base comprises a base panel adapted to contact the underlying floor and wherein a top surface of the base panel is adapted to receive the U-shaped base frame and wherein the kick support is received on a frontal portion of the base panel.
 4. A children's exercise and activity apparatus in accordance with claim 2 wherein the kick support is adapted to be fixedly attached at a plurality of locations on the base panel to allow the kick panel to be positioned at multiple in-use locations and orientations.
 5. A children's exercise and activity apparatus in accordance with claim 4 wherein the kick support is adapted to be positioned to extend forwardly from a frontal portion of the base panel to thereby allow the kick panel to be positioned in a forwardly location relative to the frontal portion of the base panel.
 6. A children's exercise and activity apparatus in accordance with claim 2 wherein the kick panel support comprises a bracket wherein a first part of the bracket is fixedly attached to the base panel and a second part of the bracket is fixedly attached to the kick panel.
 7. A children's exercise and activity apparatus in accordance with claim 6 wherein the first part of the bracket is substantially perpendicular to the second part of the bracket.
 8. A children's exercise and activity apparatus in accordance with claim 2 wherein the kick panel is oriented in a substantially perpendicular orientation relative to the floor.
 9. A children's exercise and activity apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein the cradle comprises a restraint assembly for restraining the child positioned in the cradle.
 10. A children's exercise and activity apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein the kick panel is coupled to the U-shaped base frame.
 11. A kick board attachment for use in combination with a baby bouncer, the kicking panel attachment comprising: a base frame having at least two longitudinally extending members couplable to the baby bouncer and/or a base having a baby bouncer affixed thereto, the base frame being integrally formed with a kicking panel support frame extending substantially transversely relative to an underlying floor when in an in-use position; and a kicking panel releasably engaged with the kicking panel support frame; wherein when the at least two longitudinally extending members are coupled to the baby bouncer and/or a base having a baby bouncer affixed thereto, one or more legs of a baby in a cradle of the baby bouncer can interact with the kicking panel.
 12. A method of assembling a kicking panel in combination with a baby bouncer, the method comprising the steps: providing a kicking panel attachment comprising a base frame having at least two longitudinally extending members couplable to the baby bouncer and/or a base having a baby bouncer affixed thereto, the base frame being integrally formed with a kicking panel support frame extending substantially transversely relative to an underlying floor when in an in-use position and the kicking panel support frame supporting a kick panel; locating the kicking panel attachment adjacent to the baby bouncer and/or the base having a baby bouncer coupled thereto; adjusting the kick panel attachment relative to the baby bouncer so as to locate the kicking panel at a desired position for a baby in a cradle of the baby bouncer to interact with the kicking panel; and coupling the kicking panel attachment in place relative to the baby bouncer. 